Corinthian Gardens is another step in the development of Eastern State Penitentiary Park, conceived by neighbors and Bache Martin School parents who united in 1995 to clean up and improve the derelict exterior grounds of the historic prison. Along the Brown Street side, we created an expansive lawn and a playground from what had been an unsightly parcel of weeds, broken asphalt, debris, and an abandoned, deteriorated outbuilding of the prison.

The plan for Corinthian Gardens was developed after listening to FESPP supporters at community meetings over the past three years. Our neighbors along Corinthian Avenue had the opportunity to review our plans, and they heartily approve. (Their consent was essential to overcome the requirements for reopening this side of the park.) Our plans also have been endorsed by Council President Darrell L. Clarke. We’re working with various city departments and agencies, including the Department of Public Property, to obtain necessary approvals. We’re also working closely with Eastern State Penitentiary to assure our gardens complement the historic site, and with the Fairmount Community Development Corporation, which authorized a $10,000 grant (matched by FESPP) to help kick-start the project.